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Temperamental like the rhythm of salsa, elegant like an orchid flower, Cuba has always attracted tourists with the warmth and hospitality of the local people. Tourists who have visited Cuba at least once assure that after two days of staying in this beautiful country, you get the feeling that you are in a paradise... 0 |
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Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the West Indies and one of the largest islands in the world. Resembling the shape of a crocodile, the long, narrow island is located in the western Caribbean Sea on the border of the Gulf of Mexico. The Cuban archipelago lies in the western Caribbean Sea. Due to its history, culture, language and customs, Cuba is part of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Geography of Cuba
Area – 110992 sq. km.
The highest point is Turkino Peak 1974 m.
The longest river is Cauto 370 km.
The length of the island is 1200 km, the width at its widest point is 210 km. The Cuban archipelago covers an area of 110,992 km2 and has more than 300 natural beaches covered with white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters. The most famous beach in Cuba - Varadero. The landscapes of Cuba are very diverse. There are valleys, mountains, and hills. The country's main mountain ranges are the Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, the Escambray in the center and the Sierra Maestra in the east. The highest mountain in the country, Peak Turquino (1974 m above sea level), is also located in the Sierra Maestra mountains. The rest of the island is fertile plain.
On the island you can admire many caves. Most of the rivers in Cuba are small, but have a very fast flow. Rivers flow down from the mountains, forming beautiful waterfalls. Particularly interesting are the Agabama and Salto del Carbuni waterfalls. The longest river in Cuba is the Cauto (approximately 370 km), flowing in the eastern part of the island. There are many reservoirs and lakes in Cuba. Amateur ornithologists come here, since Cuba is a migration site for resettled birds.
National symbols of Cuba
Mariposa “snow-white butterfly”, a variety of white ginger with a very delicate aroma. The national bird is the Tocororo, a Cuban trogan, a native bird whose plumage combines the colors of the Cuban flag. The national tree is the Royal Palm. These palms grow everywhere on the island.
Economy of Cuba
It is a centralized system, relying primarily on sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Canadian, Spanish, and European corporations are investing huge amounts of money in Cuba. In addition to sugar, Cuba produces tobacco, coffee, rum, honey, cocoa, and also grows citrus fruits. Cuba is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Important sectors of the Cuban economy are the production of building materials, fishing, nickel mining (the country has the largest open reserves of nickel in the world), copper, magnesium and chromium. Another important source of income for the country is money sent by Cuban emigrants, most of them living in Florida, to relatives remaining in Cuba.
Flora and fauna of Cuba
It is distinguished by its richness and variety. There are more than 300 nature reserves, which occupy approximately 22% of the country's territory. UNESCO has declared six areas of Cuba as biosphere reserves: the Guanacabibes Peninsula, the Sierra del Rosario, the Ciénaga de Zapata national parks in the west, El Caguanes in the central part and the Baconao and Cuchillas del Toa parks in the east of the island. Four percent of the entire flora of our planet grows in Cuba. The most interesting types of Cuban vegetation are orchids, cacti and palm trees. Among the fauna there are endemic species, especially among reptiles and amphibians. The most characteristic of Cuba are crocodiles, which are bred on special farms. More than 400 species of birds are found in Cuba, including extremely rare ones, such as the smallest bird in the world, the sunsuncito, or fly bird. The world’s smallest toad, a tiny “butterfly” bat and a scorpion, whose length does not exceed 14 mm, also live here.
Economy of Cuba
It is a centralized system, relying primarily on sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Canadian, Spanish, and European corporations are investing huge amounts of money in Cuba. In addition to sugar, Cuba produces tobacco, coffee, rum, honey, cocoa, and also grows citrus fruits. Cuba is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Important sectors of the Cuban economy are the production of building materials, fishing, nickel mining (the country has the largest open reserves of nickel in the world), copper, magnesium and chromium. Another important source of income for the country is money sent by Cuban emigrants, most of them living in Florida, to relatives remaining in Cuba.
History of Cuba
The written history of Cuba begins on October 28, 1492, when Christopher Columbus's caravels approached the island. Before this, Cuba was inhabited by three Indian tribes. The Guanatabeans were cave-dwelling gatherers, while the Siboneans were hunters and fishermen. The Indians of the tribe secretly engaged in agriculture. They moved to Cuba from the territory of modern Venezuela and were the most developed and largest group on the island.
Population of Cuba
It is more than 11.1 million people. The population density is 101 inhabitants per km 2. 75% of the island's population lives in cities, 25% in rural areas. Cuban cities are a mixture of architectural styles. The most populated provinces are Havana, where 2.2 million people live, Santiago de Cuba And Holguin with a population of half a million people each. An amazing community of people has emerged in Cuba. White Europeans (mostly Spaniards), black descendants of African slaves and Asians from the Chinese community have long lived here. Today, half of Cubans are mulatto. Cubans are very sociable, talkative and cheerful.
Cuban lifestyle
This is one of the pleasures awaiting tourists. Cubans love nightlife. At night you can dance and listen to dream music. Music plays a very important role in the life of Cubans. You'll encounter a huge variety of musical styles, from traditional salsa to charanga and African rhythms. rumbas.
Religion of Cuba
The official widespread religion on the island is Catholicism. However, Afro-Cuban beliefs, called Santeria, in which the foundations of Catholicism and the cults of the Yoruba people living in Nigeria and Benin are intricately mixed, have a greater influence on Cuban culture. Religious rituals are performed directly in homes. Cubans set up altars at home and decorate them with the attributes of the god they prefer to worship.
Official language of Cuba
The official language is Spanish. In resort areas, English, German, and Italian are widely used. Cubans are a proud people. They really want to make a good impression on foreigners and try to speak English: but if you say even a few words in broken Spanish, they will really love you. Cubans speak Spanish relatively quickly compared to other Latin Americans.
Time
It lags behind Kyiv by 7 hours, and by 8 hours from Moscow.
Currency unit
The currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), equal to 100 centavos. There are banknotes of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos, as well as coins of 1 and 3 pesos. There are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 20 cents.
Tourists should only pay in currencies, mainly Euros or US dollars, so it is advisable to carry more small bills with you.
When you change, you may be given the so-called Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). This type of peso is equal to the dollar: 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing in common with the “wooden” Cuban peso. These banknotes are accepted everywhere and are exchanged on the same basis as US dollars. Most ATMs only dispense convertible pesos, while the bank will give you both dollars and convertible pesos. To avoid getting into trouble, the convertible peso must have “convertible” written on it. As a rule, they are given in small bills of 1, 5, 10 pesos. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the dollar is approximately 1:25. The convertible Cuban metal coin circulates on par with American cents. They often give change to both. Convertible pesos are not exchangeable outside of Cuba, so try to spend or exchange them before departure. Currency can be exchanged both at the hotel and at exchange offices that operate 24 hours a day.
Avoid travelers checks and American Express cards. The main international cards accepted in Cuba are VISA, MASTER, DINNER`s CLUB. Credit cards issued by any US bank are not accepted.
Tourist taxes
When leaving the country, an airport tax of 25 USD is paid. e
Car rental
It is very difficult for a foreigner to live without a car while in Cuba. In order to rent a car in Cuba, you will need a driver's license from your country or an international driver's license. You must be over 21 years old, and the rental company will require your passport.
There are several companies in Cuba that provide car rentals. The main rental companies in Cuba are “Transautos” and “Havanautos”. When you rent a car, make sure the tank is full so you don't have to rush around looking for gas on the first day. In general, renting a car is quite expensive (from $60). There are no particular problems with gasoline, although gas stations are much less common than we are used to. Outside of Havana, you can easily find gasoline for $0.50 per liter, but here you have to be careful not to spill donkey urine. In addition, before picking up the car, you need to carefully inspect it for defects, which should be noted in the contract. If the trip route involves traveling on roads with poor surfaces (trips along the coast, going to the beach), then you only need to take a jeep.
License plates on cars in Cuba have different colors, indicating their ownership: yellow - private, black - diplomatic, brown - rent-a-car. There are also red, blue... There are a lot of police in Havana, but they don’t touch cars with black and brown (tourist) license plates. If you clearly break the rules in the presence of a policeman, he has to turn away or lower his eyes - “I didn’t see anything, that’s why I didn’t whistle.” In addition, cars with such license plates enjoy certain benefits, such as travel through tunnels that connect parts of Havana that are closed for repairs, parking in unauthorized places, etc.
Bike
Many people travel around the city by bicycle. You can rent a bike from the Capri and Riviera hotels ($1 per hour) or from a local for $1 per day. You cannot leave your bike on the street. It’s better to do this at the bike rack for 1-2 pesos. For all problems with your bicycle (flat tire, puncture, unadjusted seat, etc.), contact the small Pocheria workshops.
Phones
Cuban telephone company - ETESCA. Telephone cards can be purchased from hotels, shops and ETESCA call centres.
If you are calling Cuba, dial the international dialing code (i.e. 10), then the country code (for Cuba 53), and then the local code and telephone number. The number of digits in local telephone numbers may vary depending on the size of the city.
Personal telephone calls in Cuba must be made through an operator and with prepayment.
Calls from abroad to Cuba: 10 – 53 - local code - local phone.
Calls from Cuba: 119 – country code – telephone number. For direct dialing: 0 – area code – telephone number
Gastronomy
The staples of Cuban cuisine are pork and chicken, cooked in various ways, rice and black beans. You can enjoy good seafood such as shrimp, lobsters, caguama (turtle meat), octopus in garlic sauce (we recommend private restaurants that cook to a high standard and at reasonable prices). And, of course, exotic tropical fruits.
The shops
Some souvenirs from Cuba include black coral and jewelry made from it, products made from tortoise shell (especially bracelets and hairpins), coffee and handicrafts. Jewelry made from black coral in gold or silver frames, as well as items made from tortoiseshell. Don't forget to buy one or two bottles of unique Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars. When purchasing products made from crocodile skin, ask the seller for an export license, otherwise this souvenir will be confiscated during customs control. A good gift from Cuba would also be a tumbadora or bongo - percussion musical instruments used in African melodies. Another gift is the guayabera, a shirt worn by officials in the tropics.
And, of course, you cannot ignore cigars and rum (a bottle of rum costs from 5 USD). To buy good cigars or get acquainted with their production, you can contact Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas (c.Industria, 524). The shop on the ground floor of the factory sells all types of Cuban cigars. The most expensive are Cohiba Lanceros ($230 for 5 pieces).
It is better to purchase food in stores or supermarkets. In INTUR tiendas stores you can buy food, clothing, medicine, electronics and souvenirs for foreign currency. You will probably have to use currency shops, since pesos can only buy books and medicine.
Cuban cigars
It is difficult to give a definite answer to the question of what motivates cigar fans when choosing a particular cigar. But many experts are of the opinion that Cuban-made cigars are superior to all other cigars in quality and taste. There is something elusive about Cuban cigars that gives them that famous range of qualities so valued by connoisseurs. The bright Cuban sun, special air humidity, rich fertile soil, experienced hands of craftsmen? Probably, all this and much more made Cuban cigars the most famous, a symbol of quality and style.
It is prohibited to import: fresh products, plants, drugs and pornographic materials, medicines without indicating the manufacturer's brand, cars, motorcycles and spare parts for them. The export of: song and exotic birds, bark and wood of valuable species, leather and feathers of exotic animals and birds, cultural property is prohibited. To export works of art from Cuba, you will need an official stamp authorizing the export. Such a document will be issued to you in most specialized stores. When leaving the country, a customs fee is charged.
Mode of stay and movement
There are no restrictions on movement around the country for Ukrainian and Russian citizens.
Lost things
To report the loss or theft of personal documents or items, contact the nearest police station or police officer. You may have to wait a long time for your application to be accepted. Remember to photocopy the main pages of your passport in case the original is lost.
Holidays and non-working days
Holidays Throughout the year, Cuba hosts many festivals, celebrations and fiestas.
January- January 1 (national holiday) – Liberation Day, 1959
February– International Book Exhibition
March- International Festival of Puppet Theaters
April– Celebration of Spanish-Cuban culture
May- May 1st International Workers' Day; May parades and celebrations; National Folk Dance Festival
June– Outdoor concerts; Havana Carnival; Festival of Cuban Rural Culture - (national holidays)
July- July 26 - Day of the National Uprising, 1953), Celebration of the Culture of the Caribbean Peoples; Carnival in Santiago de Cuba.
August- International Festival of Cuban Music.
September– Pilgrimage to the image of Our Lady of Cobre; Theater festival
October- October 10 (national holiday) Day of the beginning of the war for the independence of Cuba from Spain, 1868); Festival of Contemporary Music; Festival of Spanish Culture; International Ballet Festival.
November- Salon of contemporary Cuban art; Celebration of the founding of Havana; International festival of choral singing.
December- December 25 - (national holiday) Christmas; International Latin American Film Festival; Folk art festival.
See also:
Picturesque coastlines, tropical climate, exotic flora and fauna, as well as retro cars driving around the city streets - all this is a fabulous Cuba. It is not surprising that this place attracts tourists. By the way, Cuba has a second name (albeit unofficial) - since 1959 the country has proudly called itself the Island of Liberty.
What language do they speak in Cuba? The question is really interesting, since before colonization the island was inhabited by Indian tribes. Let's look at this point in more detail.
A little about the population of Cuba
Before the Spaniards began colonizing the island, tribes of Sibones, Arawak Indians, Guanahanabees, and settlers from Haiti lived here. The languages that were then spoken in Cuba have long been considered dead. They had no (or minimal) influence on the language spoken in Cuba today.
The Spaniards exterminated most of the Indian tribes. They began to bring slaves from Africa to Cuba, and in considerable quantities - over three and a half hundred years, more than a million people were transported.
Galicians, Castilians, Navarreans, and Catalans also began to arrive from Spain. In addition to them, the French, Germans, Italians and British moved to the island.
In the mid-19th century, the Chinese began to be imported to Cuba. In subsequent years, more than 125,000 people were transported here.
Also, at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, the population of the Canary Islands actively emigrated to Cuba.
At the beginning of the 20th century, many Americans also moved to the island and created colonies on the island of Pinos.
During the First and Second World Wars, more and more immigrants appeared in Cuba, primarily Jews moved here.
You can imagine how diverse the island's population has become! There are now more than 11 million people living here, and data on the racial composition of the country is very mixed, which makes the question of what languages \u200b\u200bcurrently spoken in Cuba even more interesting.
Official language of Cuba
What language does absolutely everyone speak in Cuba? The official language here is Spanish. But of course it is different from European Spanish. The dialects of African slaves brought to the island centuries ago had a great influence. Many other immigrants from different countries also contributed to the language now spoken in Cuba. As a result, a Cuban dialect (also called Cuban Spanish) appeared - Español cubano.
What is interesting about the Cuban dialect?
It must be said that Español cubano is most similar to the Canarian dialect. This is explained by the fact that at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, residents of the Canary Islands moved to Cuba, who influenced the version of the language now spoken in Cuba.
The Cuban variety of Spanish has its own pronunciation nuances that may initially seem unusual to those who speak classical Spanish.
Second-person plural pronouns are not used here - Cubans speak only with “you” to everyone, although in fairness it should be noted that in the east of the island they also use “you”. The dialect of eastern Cuba is closer to the Spanish variety of the Dominican Republic.
In Cuba contains words characteristic only of the Cuban dialect. They are usually called "Cubanisms". Again, many Cubanisms are associated with the vocabulary of the Canarian dialect.
In addition, the Cuban variety of Spanish contains borrowings from English, French and Russian. The political situation in Cuba contributed to the emergence of the words compañero/compañera, which translates as “comrade.” Here the word is used instead of señor/señora (“Mr./Madam”).
What other languages are spoken in Cuba?
What language is spoken in Cuba other than Spanish? A small number of residents of Liberty Island speak Russian - this is the same generation that studied in the Soviet Union. Many of them remember Russian well.
Some of the Cubans also speak English and French. Knowledge of English, of course, helps them in the tourism business.
"Liberty Island" was discovered by Christopher Columbus on October 27, 1492. After this, the Spaniards tried for four centuries to colonize it and turn it into their overseas province. The British and Americans also wanted to succeed in this. However, none of them managed to establish their own rules there. That’s why they still say about Cuba that it is the “Island of Freedom.” Cuba is famous throughout the world for its carnivals, dances, songs, boxing, volleyball, Cuban cigars and Cuban rum, the beautiful sea and magnificent beaches.
Geography of Cuba
The island nation of Cuba is located in the Caribbean Sea. It consists of the islands of Cuba, Juventud and several other archipelagos. The United States is located 180 kilometers north of Cuba, and to the south and southeast are Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The total area of the country is 110,860 square meters. km.
The island of Cuba is the largest island in the entire Caribbean. Most of its territory is plains. Only in the west, center and southeast can you find mountain systems. The highest peak is Peak Turquino in the Sierra Maestra mountain range, whose height reaches 1,974 meters.
The coast of the island of Cuba is indented with picturesque bays and coves, and near the coast there are beautiful coral reefs. In general, there are about 4,000 thousand islands and reefs near Cuba.
Capital
Havana is the capital of the state of Cuba. More than 2.3 million people now live in this city. Havana was founded by the Spaniards in 1515 on the site of an ancient Indian settlement.
Official language of Cuba
The official language is Spanish.
Religion
More than 60% of the population consider themselves Catholics, but only about 5% of them regularly attend church.
State structure
According to the 1992 Constitution, Cuba is a socialist republic in which the Communist Party is the “leading force of society and state.” The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba also serves as the President of this state.
The local parliament is called the National Assembly, it consists of 609 deputies elected for a 5-year term. Executive power belongs to the State Council and the Council of Ministers, consisting of 31 ministers.
Administratively, the country is divided into 15 provinces, which in turn are divided into 168 municipalities, and one special municipality (Juventud).
Climate and weather
The climate is subtropical, the average annual air temperature is about +27C. Hurricane season lasts from July to mid-November. Hurricanes and tropical storms most often occur in September and October.
You can vacation in Cuba almost all year round, but the best time is the winter months, when there is no rain.
Average air temperature in Cuba:
- January - +26C
- February - +27C
- March - +28C
- April - +29C
- May - +31C
- June - +30C
- July - +30C
- August - +32C
- September - +31C
- October - +29C
- November - +27C
- December - +26C
Sea in Cuba
The island of Cuba is surrounded on all sides by the Caribbean Sea. There are beautiful coral reefs off the coast.
Average temperature of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cuba:
- January - +25C
- February - +24C
- March - +24C
- April - +26C
- May - +27C
- June - +27C
- July - +28C
- August - +28C
- September - +28C
- October - +28C
- November - +27C
- December - +27C
Rivers and lakes
Several rivers flow through Cuba. The largest of them is the Cauto River, which begins in the Sierra Maestra mountains in the province of Santiago (its length is 370 km). The Almendares River flows through Havana, providing the capital with drinking water. In general, there are several hundred rivers and small streams on this island.
History of Cuba
On October 27, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba, and from then on the modern history of this island, and then the state, began. At the beginning of the 17th century, Diego Velazquez founded the first seven settlement cities on the island - Baracoa, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Camagüey and Havana. During the process of colonization, the Spaniards almost completely destroyed the indigenous population. During the 4 centuries of Spanish rule, tens of thousands of slaves from Africa were brought to Cuba.
The Spanish occupation of Cuba ended only at the end of the 19th century, but the country became politically dependent on the United States.
On January 1, 1959, the Revolution won in Cuba, and the country took the path of building socialism. One of the leaders of the Revolution, along with Camilo Cienfuegos and Ernesto Che Guevara, was Fidel Castro.
In April 1961, the Americans attempted to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro, but their mercenaries were defeated at the Bay of Pigs.
Some capitalist countries, including the United States, have still not lifted economic sanctions against Cuba, which hinders the development of this amazing country.
Culture
Cuba's culture has been shaped by Spanish, African, French and Asian influences and is therefore known for its diversity. This country has become the birthplace of many musical styles and dances, among them the most popular are mambo and cha-cha-cha.
However, Cuba is famous in the world not only for music and dancing, but also for its sporting achievements in boxing and volleyball. Sports can also be considered a reflection of cultural traditions.
Cuba cannot be imagined without festivals. For example, every summer in Havana the famous “Carnival of Chariots” is held, during which special stages with music and dance groups ride through the streets of the Cuban capital for three days, and street processions of musicians are also held. In general, Carnival in Havana lasts, as a rule, 12 days, and the legendary Tropicana cabaret, founded in 1939, participates in it.
Havana also regularly hosts crafts fairs in the summer, in which various music, dance and theater groups participate.
Every September, Santiago de Cuba hosts the Festival del Son, a traditional Cuban music festival. This holiday lasts four days.
Cuban cuisine
Cuban cuisine has been strongly influenced by Spanish culinary traditions. Many Cuban dishes are very similar to those served in Andalusia (southern Spain). However, Cuban cuisine has also been influenced by African, Portuguese, French, Arabic and even Chinese culinary traditions.
The main foods are potatoes, malanga, yucca, wheat, fish and seafood (especially lobster), meat (chicken and pork), rice, bananas, vegetables, beans. Hot spices are rarely used.
We recommend that tourists try “Moros y Cristianos” (black beans with rice), “Arroz con Pollo” (yellow rice with chicken), “Ropa Vieja” (pieces of beef fillet), “Ajiaco” (vegetable stew with meat and garlic), “ Fufú (mashed boiled green bananas, often served with meat), Piccadillo (spicy beef with tomatoes and onions). Popular desserts are “Helado” (ice cream) and “Galletas” (sweet cookies).
The traditional non-alcoholic drink is coffee. The best Cuban coffee grows in the Sierra Maestra mountains.
Traditional alcoholic drinks are rum and cocktails with rum. Every self-respecting Cuban bartender should know at least 100 recipes for cocktails with rum or other alcoholic drinks.
Sights of Cuba
Most of the monuments of Cuban culture date back to the colonial era. Several monuments are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Havana Vieja Historic Center and Fort (Havana)
- Old Town of Trinidad (Sancti Spiritus)
- Sugar mills around Trinidad (Sancti Spiritus)
- Fortifications of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro (Santiago de Cuba)
- Ruins of the French coffee plantation La Gran Piedra (Santiago de Cuba)
- Desembarco del Granma National Park
The Alexander Humboldt, Almendares and Sierra Maestra national parks, the Los Indios Nature Reserve and the Punta Frances Marine Park are of great interest to tourists.
Cities and resorts
The largest cities are Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Santa Clara, Holguin, Bayamo, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Holguin, and, of course, Havana.
Cuba is world famous for its beach resorts, where residents of Europe and North America come to relax. The most popular of them are Varadero, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo and Holguin. Every year, for example, more than 1 million tourists vacation in Varadero (about 45% of them are foreigners).
Most local resorts offer tourists a well-developed recreation infrastructure, with restaurants, discos, nightclubs and entertainment shows in hotels. All resorts offer excellent beach holiday opportunities, including diving, boat excursions and yacht trips.
Souvenirs/shopping
The most popular souvenirs from Cuba are any items with the image of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, folk art, ceramics, Cuban coffee, coffee cups, Cuban cigars and rum.
Office hours
Banks:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-15:00
The shops:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00
Sat: 10:00-14:00
Museums:
Tue-Sat: 09:00-17:00
Sun: 08:00-13:00
Visa
Ukrainians need a visa to visit Cuba.
Currency
There are two currencies in circulation in Cuba: the Cuban peso (CUP) and the convertible peso (CUC). Tourists must exchange dollars for convertible pesos. $100 = 87 CUC. In turn, 1 dollar = approximately 24 Cuban pesos. Credit cards are not widely used.
Customs restrictions
Physiographic characteristics
Geographical position
Relief of Cuba
Relief
The relief of Cuba is predominantly flat. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. The highest mountain range, the Sierra Maestra, stretches along the southeastern coast for 250 km. Its highest point is Turkino Peak (1972 m). The picturesque low mountains located in the west of the island are intricately dissected and sparsely populated.
Minerals
Cuba occupies one of the leading places in the world in nickel mining (2nd place in the world in reserves and 3rd in production), has significant reserves of chromium, manganese, iron and copper ores, asbestos, rock salt, and phosphorites. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the west of the country.
Climate
The climate of Cuba is tropical, trade wind. The average annual temperature is 25.5 °C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is 22.5 °C and the hottest (August) is 27.8 °C. The temperature of surface waters off the coast in winter is 22-24 °C, in summer - 28-30 °C. The average annual precipitation, usually in the form of showers, is 1400 mm, but dry years often occur.
Cuba has clearly defined two climatic seasons: rainy (May-October) and dry (November-April). The rainy season accounts for 3/4 of the total annual precipitation.
A feature of Cuba's climate is its typical high humidity throughout the year. The combination of high humidity and high temperature has a generally unfavorable effect on people's lives. However, on the coast, the wind from the sea moderates the heat, brings freshness, and in the evenings, coolness. In any place, the winds are characterized by a certain constancy, so you can often see trees whose trunks have a corresponding slope.
Cuba is exposed to tropical cyclones, which originate in the summer-autumn period (June - mid-November) east of the Lesser Antilles and in the west of the Caribbean Sea, then moving towards Florida. Typhoons are accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds that can cause great damage to the economy and population of the island. The rivers in Cuba are short and shallow. Forests, covering about 10% of the territory, are preserved only in mountainous and swampy areas. The fauna of the land is relatively poor. At the same time, in the waters surrounding Cuba there are valuable commercial fish, shellfish, lobsters, shrimp, and sponges.
Administrative division
Cuba is a federation. The national territory is divided for political and administrative purposes into 14 provinces and the special municipality of Isla Juventud.
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Transport
Cuban railway map
There is a railway on the island of Cuba (Cuban Railway in Spanish. Ferrocarriles de Cuba), a network of roads. Sea and air communications have been established with other countries. Cuba's leading airline, Cubana de Aviación, has offices in 32 countries.
Connection
After Castro came to power, the development of telecommunications on the island turned out to be extremely difficult. Cuba, however, was greatly helped by the Soviet Union, which provided some resources, such as communication channels.
In 2003, there were 2 Internet providers operating on the island. National domain Raul Castro abolished the rules for the use of mobile phones in the country, the national telecom operator - the company ETECSA - began providing communication services for ordinary citizens on April 14, 2008. In Cuba the GSM 900 standard is currently in use, and in some areas of Havana and the resort of Varadero - GSM 850.
Population
Story
The first European to arrive here was Columbus, who landed in the east of the archipelago in October. In Diego Velazquez de Cuellar subdued the indigenous population of the islands, built Fort Baracoa and became the first Spanish governor of Cuba. By this time, seven settlements had been founded. In Cuellar he moved his headquarters to Santiago de Cuba, which became the first capital of Cuba. Colonization took place in the context of a struggle with the indigenous population of the island - the Taino Indians, who made up 75% of the population.
- The first uprising for independence was suppressed in the city.
- The Ten Years' War for Cuban Independence began in the city; the rebels were supported by the United States. Hostilities reached a climax in 1872-73, but then the rebels fought only in the eastern provinces of Camagüey and Oriente. A peace agreement was signed, eliminating the most unpleasant legislative acts for the inhabitants of the island.
- A detachment of Cuban patriots under the leadership of Jose Marti landed in the city of Cuba. This event became the starting point of a new war with the Spanish, during which the Cubans achieved control over almost the entire territory of the island, excluding large cities (see War of Cuban Independence).
- In the city, the United States began a war with Spain, in which they won. Cuba becomes dependent on the United States. The Constitution stipulated the right of the United States to send troops into the country. This clause was canceled in
- In the city, as a result of a coup organized by revolutionaries led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, dictator Gerardo Machado y Morales was overthrown and a democratic regime was established.
- On March 10, Mr. Fulgencio Batista carried out a coup d'etat and established a personal dictatorship.
- On July 26, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attempted to seize the Moncada barracks. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the participants in the assault ended up in prison, but this event became the starting point of the Cuban Revolution. In the city, the revolutionaries were amnestied. On December 2, a new group of revolutionaries disembarked from the Granma yacht in the east of the island and began military operations against the Batista government.
- On January 1, dictator Batista fled Cuba. At this point, rebel forces occupied the city of Santa Clara in the center of the island and controlled large swathes of terrain to the east, although the capital was not in immediate danger and Batista still had significant military forces at his disposal. In the conditions of the power vacuum that arose as a result of Batista's flight, on January 8, a column of rebels entered Havana, where they were greeted with popular jubilation.
As a result of the victory of the revolution, power in Cuba was given to a left-wing government led by Fidel Castro, which then leaned towards the path of building socialism and is in power to the present day. The country's ruling and only permitted party is the Communist Party of Cuba. The government of Fidel Castro carried out agrarian reform, nationalized industrial assets, and launched broad social reforms, which alienated many groups of the population; the result of the process was the mass emigration of the dissatisfied, mainly to the United States, where a large diaspora of opponents of Castro and his policies was created.
- In April, Cuban emigrants, with the active support of the United States, landed an armed force on the southern coast of the island with the goal of eventually organizing a mass uprising against the policies of the new government, but the intervention was quickly stopped, and the expected social explosion never occurred. Subsequently, emigrant organizations repeatedly organized terrorist attacks and small-scale landings on Cuba, but without much results.
From the early 1960s to the early 1990s, Cuba was an ally of the USSR, which provided significant financial, economic and political support, actively supported Marxist rebels and Marxist regimes in Latin America (Puerto Rico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Bolivia, Peru , Brazil, Argentina, Chile), Africa (Ethiopia, Angola) and Asia, and also pursued a policy of providing humanitarian assistance to various countries of the world. In the late 1980s, more than 70 thousand Cubans were abroad as part of military and humanitarian missions.
Executive power belongs to the Chairman of the State Council (head of state) and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (head of government).
The ruler of Cuba since 1959, Fidel Castro, announced his resignation as Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief of Cuban troops. Castro's address to the people was published on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 by the Granma newspaper. “To my dear fellow citizens, who have given me the immeasurable honor of electing me as a member of Parliament, in which the most important decisions for the fate of the revolution will be taken, I inform you that I do not intend and will not give my consent to take the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief,” it says in an address by Fidel Castro published on the newspaper’s website.
Economy
Advantages: The tourism industry attracts foreign investors. Export of sugar and nickel. Elite cigars. The banking sector is strengthening.
Weak sides: Due to the US embargo, lack of access to important markets and investments. Acute shortage of foreign currency. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Complicated trade restrictions and lack of legal regulations hinder investment. Poor infrastructure. Shortage of fuel, fertilizers and spare parts. Hurricane damage in 2001
There are different points of view regarding the level of development of Cuba before the revolution. According to a number of sources, in terms of GNP per capita, Cuba was ahead of Spain and Japan at that time. Robin Blackburn also wrote that Cuba was one of the richest countries in the underdeveloped category. Professor Maurice Halperin, who worked in Cuba immediately after the revolution, objected to the application of the term “underdeveloped” to pre-revolutionary Cuba, which, in his words, caused false associations with truly backward countries, and proposed calling it “moderately developed”. On the other hand, the Groningen Growth and Development Center, having conducted its own retrospective calculations using a special methodology, received data stating that Cuba was inferior to these countries and a number of Latin American countries.
| Source | Robin Blackburn | Humberto (Bert) Corzo | NationMaster | Angus Maddison | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | U.S. dollars | US dollars at PPP | U.S. dollars | Geary-Khamis dollars | ||
| Year | 1953-1954 | 1958 | 1960 | 1960 | 1953 | 1960 |
| Cuba | 360 | 356 | 4399 | 1900 | 2363 | 2052 |
| Spain | 250 | 180 | 396 | 396 | 2528 | 3150 |
| Mexico | 284 | 353 | 353 | 2439 | 3025 | |
| Chile | 360 | 551 | 551 | 4112 | 4392 | |
| Costa Rica | 230 | 381 | 381 | 2353 | 2605 | |
| Japan | 254 | 471 | 471 | 2474 | 3289 | |
| USA | 2881 | 2793 | 10613 | 11328 | ||
According to statistics, in 1951 in Cuba there were 122 thousand cars for a population of 5.5 million, that is, 1 car for 41 people. At the same time, according to the authors of the Area Handbook for Cuba, “all this, as a fact, does not matter at all, since there were de facto two Cubas, in one the elite lived beautifully and comfortably, and in the other the most necessary things for life were not available ".
In 1960, a massive nationalization of the private sector was carried out. Currently, Cuba has one of the most nationalized economies in the world. In the second half of the 60s. the government attempts to abandon central planning in favor of sectoral planning and moves toward experiments involving moral incentives and the widespread use of free forced labor. Falling production levels and avoidance of forced labor forced a return to Soviet-style central planning. In the 1970s - 80s. With the help of the countries of the socialist bloc, the basis of the industry is being created in Cuba.
The main sector of the Cuban economy is the sugar industry. The capacity of Cuba's sugar factories is capable of processing 670 thousand tons of sugar cane per day (production of 9-9.5 million tons of sugar per year). In the past, the industry developed extensively thanks to the support of the CMEA.
The Cuban government is creating free economic zones (FEZ) in order to attract foreign investment. In 1996, a law was adopted on the procedure for the creation and functioning of free economic zones. The validity period of the concession for the right to operate in the SEZ is 50 years. In 1997, three SEZs began operating (Mariel, Havana City and Vahay).
Exports nickel, sugar, tobacco, seafood, medical products, citrus fruits, coffee. The main export partners are the Netherlands, Canada, China. In November 2004, during a visit to Cuba by Chinese President Hu Jintao, an agreement was reached that China would invest $500 million in the Cuban nickel industry. In January 2008, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and the head of the state oil company visited Cuba and imported petroleum products, food products, industrial equipment, and chemical products. The main import partners are Venezuela, China, Spain.
The Cuban banking system consists of the Central Bank, 8 commercial banks, 13 non-banking financial institutions, 13 representative offices of foreign banks and 4 representative offices of foreign financial institutions. There are 2 types of currency in Cuba. Citizens of Cuba receive black and white Cuban pesos, foreigners receive colored (convertible) pesos when exchanging currency. Western media reported on currency manipulations by the top Cuban leadership and the F. Castro family.
Since 1962, a card system has been in effect in Cuba; products are issued according to the same standards for the entire country. According to Cuban experts, the population currently receives from 40 to 54 percent of the minimum required calories from food distributed on ration cards. Milk is provided free of charge by the state to children under 6 years of age or purchased by the population at the market. Throughout the post-revolutionary years, a black market existed in Cuba. A number of goods, the distribution of which by cards is carried out irregularly or are intended only for beneficiaries, are still purchased on the black market.
In 2008, Cuban residents were allowed to buy cell phones, computers and DVD players, as well as 19- and 24-inch TVs, electric pressure cookers and electric bicycles, car alarms and microwave ovens (but only for convertible currency).
According to the BBC television company, there is an increase in prostitution and corruption in Cuba. The average monthly salary in Cuba is $12, but there are many government benefits. For example, free clothing is provided to workers. There is a system of free medical care and free higher and secondary education.
Foreign policy
Russia
From the very beginning of the revolution in Cuba, the attitude of the CPSU leadership towards Liberty Island was ambiguous, in some ways similar to the position regarding the SFRY. First, neither the Castro brothers nor their associates were formally Leninists. Their theoretical basis was limited to the legacy of Marx and Engels. Secondly, among other things, Cuba, in principle, was not part of the military blocs. Highly valuing freedom, Cuba, since the Belgrade Conference (Yugoslavia, September 1-6, 1961), has been one of the most active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement. It joined the CMEA only in 1972.
Participation in international organizations
Immediately after the revolution, about 3 thousand doctors left the country. However, this deficiency was compensated for by the organization of the medical education system. Currently, the Cuban health care system is considered one of the best in the world and has extensive primary health care and scientific development programs. Cuba has the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America. All types of medical care are free.
Education
Cuba has a traditionally high educational level of the population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a system of state free 9-grade elementary education for children from 6 to 14 years old (the ninth grade was optional, the rest are compulsory). In 1932, 90% of school-age children attended elementary schools (state and church). In 1951, illiterates accounted for 22% of the adult population, which was lower than in Spain and pre-war Italy. In 1961, a massive literacy campaign began. As a result, in 1980 the number of illiterate people was only 2%, and in 1990 Cuba became a country of complete literacy. A public secondary and higher school was created. During the 60s. the number of students doubled (from 717 to 1.5 million) with a population growth of 1-2% per year. In total, counting all stages of education, the number of people covered by them increased threefold.
Currently, Cuba has compulsory nine-grade education (the average is 12-grade education). There are 50 centers of higher education. Education at all levels is free.
The main educational institution of the country is the University of Havana, located in different parts of the capital. Until 1999, Russian was taught there as the main foreign language (faculty of the Pais brothers). The work of this faculty was supervised by the Moscow State University Center for Education. After 1999, English became such a language. Other universities in Cuba: Agricultural University of Havana.
The science
Art
Cuba in music- Muslim Magomaev . Cuba, my love
- Guantanamera - song
Religion
In Cuba, church and state are separated, and the Cuban Constitution guarantees the population freedom of religion. The most common religion is Catholic.
Despite the peculiarities of socialism as a socio-political system that has dominated the country for many decades, Cubans are quite religious. Even members of the Cuban Communist Party are not prohibited from attending churches. Catholic churches exist throughout the country. Even after the victory of the revolution, masses are celebrated daily and solemn services are held on national or local religious holidays.
With the arrival of black slaves on the island, various beliefs of African origin spread. Over time, three main movements emerged from them, existing and popular to this day. This is Regla de Ocha (Spanish) Regla de Ocha) or Santeria (Spanish) Santeria), Las Reglas de Palo (Spanish) Las Reglas de Palo) and La Sociedad Secreta Abakua (Spanish. La Sociedad Secreta Abacua). As a result of the historical process, a mixture of Catholic dogmas and African cults also formed. For example, the Most Pure Virgin of Mercy from Cobre is considered by Catholics to be the patroness of Cuba. In Santeria she goes by the name Ochun.
In recent years, Protestant churches have begun to appear, especially in the provinces.
Sport
Armed forces
Guard at the mausoleum of Jose Marti
The Cuban Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias - FAR) is the main armed formation of Cuba, ensuring its national defense.
mass media
The Liberty Island daily newspaper Granma bears the name of the yacht of the same name, on which a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro landed in Cuba to carry out guerrilla warfare against the Batista regime. The newspaper is the official conductor and popularizer of the policies pursued by the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC). Granma Internacional is published once a week in English. The Cuban press is also represented by such publications devoted to the problems of economics, tourism, finance, culture, politics, as “Opciones”, “Bohemia”, “Juventud Rebelde”, “Trabajadores”.
Notes
- As a result of the Spanish-American War.
- http://www.echo.msk.ru/news/425116.html
- http://som.csudh.edu/cis/lpress/devnat/nations/cuba/cuba3.htm
- Raul Castro: Between Deng Xiaoping and Gorbachev
- Robin Blackburn. The economies oh the Cuban revolution // Fidel Castro’s Personal Revolution in Cuba: 1953-1973. Edited with an Introduction by James Nelson Goodsell, The Christian Science monitor. Consulting Editor Lewis Hanke, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. New York, 1975, p. 134
Spanish uses the Latin alphabet, with an additional letter "ñ" (eñe). In addition, Spanish orthography uses the following letters with an acute accent: Áá Éé Íí Óó Úú, as well as ü with a dieresis to indicate the readability of this letter after the letters g and q.
In Spanish dialects you can find letters with grave accent: Àà Èè Ìì Òò Ùù and Çç - se-cedilla.
When reading, basically everything is read as it is written. The Spanish language is characterized by clear pronunciation of all vowels, while consonants can be swallowed or assimilated.
Basic rules for reading:
- ch - reads like a soft Russian "ch";
- h - never read;
- z - reads like "c";
- с - before a, o, u is read as "k", and before e, i - as "c";
- g - before i is read as Russian “x”, before other vowels - as “g”;
- s - reads like Russian “c”, but with the tongue slightly moved towards the alveoli;
- j - reads like Russian “kh”, but more intense;
- x - read depending on the word: like Russian “s” or “x”;
- the combination gu - before e, i is read as “g”, “u” is not pronounced, except when writing gü;
- the combination qu - before e, i is read as “k”, “u” is not pronounced, except for the combination qü.
- b and v - “fricative b”: at the beginning of a word and after nasal and labial consonants, these letters indicate the stop sound “b”, which in pronunciation corresponds to the Russian “b”. In other cases, these letters indicate a semi-closed sound between “b” and “v”.
Almost all Cubans speak extremely fluent Spanish. The dialect encountered is similar to other Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands, although the rhythmic speech and use of expressive gestures are distinctly Cuban. French existed for a short time with the arrival of slave-owning European refugees after the 1791 revolution in Haiti, but they have since died out.
The languages of the country's indigenous population have become extinct. The island's pre-Columbian population was approximately 112,000, consisting primarily of Arawaks (Taino and sub-Taino) in the central and eastern region, as well as Guanahacabibes who fled the Arawaks and moved west to Pinar del Rio. Indigenous lands were quickly occupied by Spanish conquistadors, and indigenous people were enslaved and exploited by Europeans in mining and agriculture. Indigenous peoples resisting the new masters were killed. The rest of the population died out from malnutrition, overwork, suicide and cruelty. Cuba's indigenous population virtually disappeared during fifty years of conquest.
In the resort areas of Cuba, English, German and Italian are widely used.
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